"If the people of Cincinnati had intended to exempt emergency legislation from their referendum power, they could have done so when adopting Article II, Section III of the City's charter," Winkler wrote.

Solicitor John Curp said Winkler's decision essentially ends the ability of the city to make any sort of emergency ordinance.

City officials have said that if the plan was not put in place, more than 300 firefighters and police officers would have to be laid off to balance the budget.

"We can't wait any longer," City Manager Milton Dohoney said as he announced that the city would begin steps toward layoffs.

Opponents have been gathering signatures to put the plan on the ballot in November. If they fail to gain enough, the plan will go into effect. Dohoney said that if that happens, the layoffs can be stopped.

"If you sign a petition, you're signing a pink slip for a police officer or firefighter," Mayor Mark Mallory said, noting that since the budget has to be balanced by July 1, the city can't wait for a November referendum.

Councilman Cecil Thomas told WLWT News 5's John London that he was disappointed with Walker's ruling and said layoffs would have to take place.

City officials said Thursday that they will appeal Winkler's decision to the First Court of Appeals and ask for an expedited ruling.

Meanwhile, mayoral candidate John Cranley criticized the city's administration for its priorities.

“The city should prioritize basic services like police and fire rather than wasting money on pet projects like the streetcar.” Cranley said in a news release. “If necessary, on Dec. 1, I will convert my swearing in ceremony to a Welcome Back party and hire back laid off city workers.”

The city has appealed the judge's decision to the 1st District Ohio Court of Appeals.